Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Smoky skies cause poor air quality in parts of B.C., Environment Canada says

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 May, 2023 11:20 AM
  • Smoky skies cause poor air quality in parts of B.C., Environment Canada says

Smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility through northeastern and central B.C., extending into southern regions, Environment Canada says.

But a shift in weather patterns throughout the day is expected to improve conditions.

Smoke had also started spreading to the Whistler, Howe Sound and Sunshine Coast areas, causing variable but hazy conditions, the weather agency said Thursday.

It said smoke impacts may be worse at higher elevations in the Okanagan, but rain may provide some relief.

Environment Canada's air quality statement notes wildfire smoke is hazardous to health even at low concentrations, and it urges children, older people and those with lung conditions to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

The BC Wildfire Service took to Twitter to say it's seeing reduced fire behaviour across much of the North Peace Complex. 

Some areas continue to have "aggressive fire behaviour," but smoke is expected to dissipate in the coming days, it said.

The service's website lists 69 active wildfires in the province.

The Peace River Regional District lifted an evacuation order for 850 properties in rural areas north of Fort St. John Thursday night, but residents must be ready to leave again on short notice.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the settlements of Buick Creek, Murdale and Mile 70 north of the city, where the 215-square-kilometre Stoddart Creek wildfire is burning about 25 kilometres away.

Above-normal temperatures, combined with drought conditions across most of the province, is increasing the potential for wildfires, the B.C. government said in a news release Friday.

"People should be prepared for wildfire and heat, have an emergency plan and stay informed as conditions change," it said.

"Since April 1, more than 220 wildfires have burned more than 135,000 hectares, largely within the Prince George Fire Centre. Of these fires, 85 per cent were human-caused and were preventable."

Large, open burning has been banned across B.C. in an effort to prevent human-caused wildfires.

Starting Friday, all open fires, including campfires, will be prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre. The area spans much of northeastern B.C., including Fort St. John, and is where all four out-of-control wildfires are located.

Campfires elsewhere in the province have to be confined to 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter, with water kept on hand to douse the flames.

The government has also warned that a return of seasonal spring conditions is also increasing the potential of lightning-caused fires. The BC Wildfire Service is closely monitoring the changing conditions, it said.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

City of Vancouver approves a plan to expand its alcohol in parks program

City of Vancouver approves a plan to expand its alcohol in parks program
As of June 1st, visitors to 31 city parks will be able to drink there year-round, while 16 parks will allow alcoholic beverage consumption from July 1st to August 31st each year.  Further, people visiting seven of Vancouver's beaches between June 1st and September 4th will be able to consume alcohol while there.

City of Vancouver approves a plan to expand its alcohol in parks program

Suspect arrested in relation to assault of 89-year-old woman at Metrotown

Suspect arrested in relation to assault of 89-year-old woman at Metrotown
Burnaby R-C-M-P say they've arrested a suspect after an 89-year-old woman was assaulted at the Metrotown mall. Mounties say it happened on April 20th when the victim was shoved to the ground by an unknown man.

Suspect arrested in relation to assault of 89-year-old woman at Metrotown

Beware of cryptocurrency scam: Coquitlam RCMP

Beware of cryptocurrency scam: Coquitlam RCMP
R-C-M-P in Coquitlam are urging the public to use caution when asked to convert money into cryptocurrency. That person encouraged the victim to withdraw thousands of dollars from their bank account and convert it into cryptocurrency for transferring, in order to prevent further unauthorized transactions on their credit card.

Beware of cryptocurrency scam: Coquitlam RCMP

BC Ferries waives reservation fee for those who to take ferry due to medical reasons

BC Ferries waives reservation fee for those who to take ferry due to medical reasons
Passengers must be eligible for the provincial Travel Assistance Program -- have the correct form from their health care provider and obtain a program confirmation number from Health Insurance B-C.

BC Ferries waives reservation fee for those who to take ferry due to medical reasons

Injection of cash for repairs to Science World dome

Injection of cash for repairs to Science World dome
Premier David Eby says the domed roof of Vancouver's Science World building is leaking, which prevents the popular tourist destination from using the movie theatre. Eby says the $20 million for Science World will focus on the roof, but that will also include electrical updates to improve energy efficiency.  

Injection of cash for repairs to Science World dome

Striking public servants block access to government buildings and key infrastructure

Striking public servants block access to government buildings and key infrastructure
More than 150,000 federal public servants with the Public Service Alliance of Canada were on strike for the seventh straight day as their union representatives continued to negotiate with the government for a bigger wage increase and more flexibility to work remotely.

Striking public servants block access to government buildings and key infrastructure